A release from the team said new General Manager David Caldwell dismissed the first-year head coach in a meeting Thursday morning.

Caldwell said, "I informed Mike today that he will not return as head coach of the Jaguars. I know Mike well and do not want anyone to misinterpret the rationale behind my decision. Mike is an excellent coach and I am sure he will succeed in his next stop in the NFL."

Caldwell continued, "However, I must do what I believe is best for the Jacksonville Jaguars and immediately explore every avenue possible to turn our football team around. For that to happen as seamlessly as we want, and as quickly as our fans deserve, I feel it is in everyone's best interests for an immediate and clean restart.

Shad Khan, owner of the Jaguars, said, "Mike Mularkey is leaving our organization with my utmost respect. Mike gave the Jaguars everything he had on and off the field, and his efforts as our head coach will always be appreciated. Mike will land on his feet soon.

Until then, I wish nothing but the best for Mike and his family."
In his first year as head coach, Mularkey posted a record of two wins and 14 losses.

The release said Khan, Caldwell and Jaguars President Mark Lamping will comment on Mularkey's firing at a news conference at 4 p.m. Thursday.